Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it okay to keep house-hunting, even after we've contracted with The Home Buyers?

Yes, you're free to keep house-hunting. Just don't do it before learning how to protect yourself and preserve your right to get the representation you choose.

2. Why is an exclusive buyer agent necessary if I can search properties on the Internet?

Just because the Internet lets you go it alone without engaging any real estate agent, searching for homes with and exclusive buyer agent is the only way to ensure you have the proper protection. And, since an EBA works for you, but at no cost to you, there's no reason not to engage one.

3. What's the difference between The Home Buyers, Inc. and traditional Realtors®?

Unlike traditional Realtors®, The Home Buyers, Inc. is an exclusive buyer agent. That means it only represents the interests of the buyer. It never lists homes for sale. Almost all other agents are obligated, either by law, their employer, or written contract, to put home buyers at a disadvantage by representing the interests of the seller.

4. What is an exclusive buyer agent or buyer-only Realtor®?

Exclusive buyer agents (EBA) are unlike traditional Realtors® in that they fully represent the interests of home buyers. They never list homes for sale and, unlike other agents, are never obligated, either by law, their employer or written contract, to put home buyers at a disadvantage by representing the interests of the seller.

5. What about "home buyer agents," "home buyer brokers" or "home buyer representatives"? Are they representing the home buyer?

Don't bet on it. Yes, some dual agencies might call some of their agents "home buyer representatives," but the only way you can be certain a real estate agency is giving you full representation, is if it is an exclusive buyer agent. That's the keyword, in fact: Exclusive

One tip off that a Realtor® may not be able to give you full representation: If the agents or their employers ever list homes for sale there is a potential conflict of interest.

6. What is representation and why is it important?

Representation refers to who is contractually permitted to participate as you negotiate to buy a new house. This is important because, if you do not engage an exclusive buyer agent early in the home-buying process, you risk inviting representation from agents who may not serve your best interests. If you are not represented by an exclusive buyer agent, you may be at a disadvantage in negotiations.

7. How much might it cost me to engage an exclusive buyer agent?

Nothing. You can engage an exclusive buyer agent at no cost to you.

8. What kind of information is vulnerable if my Realtor is not an exclusive buyer agent?

Unless your agent is an exclusive buyer agent, you risk revealing critical information to the seller.

Other Realtors® may be bound by employer, written contract or the law to tell the seller:

• The amount of the mortgage for which you qualify.
• If he or she thinks you would be willing to increase your price.
• Your deadline for buying a home (such as a closing date on your previous home or lease expiration date).
• How long you have been looking and how many homes you have seen.
• Why you like the home, and how much you like or are attached to it.
• If you are tired of looking at homes.

9. What kinds of information and services can an exclusive buyer agent provide?

In addition to keeping private critical information about you, an exclusive buyer agent can serve your interests by providing information and services that give you the edge.

For example, an EBA can tell you:

• How much the seller paid for the property. (This is public information.)
• Why the seller is selling.
• The property's actual market time.
• If the home has been listed before and not sold.
• Whether the house looks like a "money pit."
• If it might be difficult to sell the property after you have bought it.

10. How is exclusive buyer agent training different than the training most other Realtors® receive?

To train its exclusive buyer agents, The Home Buyers, Inc. must counter the conventional wisdom that the only way to make a living as a real estate agent is to sell homes. Instead, we emphasize the value of repeat business and referrals that comes when agents focus one-hundred percent on the interests of home buyers.

11. Are builder models a good place to find information on new construction and lots for sale?

As long as you take the necessary precautions, builder models are an acceptable way to get information on new construction and lots. Just make sure you've engaged an exclusive buyer agent or taken other important steps first.

12. Is it okay to visit open houses?

As long as you've engaged an exclusive buyer agent or understand how representation works, it is acceptable to visit open houses.

13. Why are some homes listed for a dollar?

Simply put, this a common marketing tactic of auction houses. While the bidding may start at a dollar, most auctioned houses wind up selling for at least market value. And, to be eligible to bid, you must first deposit a pretty large sum, usually $10,000 or more. Even so, auctions can be an acceptable way to find your dream home, as long as your interests are being represented by an exclusive buyer agent.

14. What can The Home Buyers, Inc. provide that other Realtors® cannot?

As an exclusive buyer agency, The Home Buyers, Inc. is in the unique position to provide home buyers with advocacy, advice and one-hundred-percent representation. Most other Realtors® can't do that because they represent the sellers.

In fact, The Home Buyers, Inc. guarantees that it will:

• Advocate for you and negotiate to get you the best price.
• Suggest a fair price to offer.
• Tell you if the price is too high.
• Point out problems with the home.
• Give you negotiating advice that could give you an advantage over the seller.
• Tell why the seller is moving or anything that hurts the seller's negotiating position.
• Suggest that the seller pay some closing costs.
• Suggest that the seller pays discount points.
• Find existing homes and new construction options, drawing from all sources and without anything to gain from selling you a home listed by their agency.
• Procure an independent evaluation of a home's purchase price and neighborhood,
• Attend and schedule your closing.
• Suggest including additional personal property in the purchase agreement.

15. Can you help me find a lot or a builder?

Yes. The Home Builders, Inc. provides all the advantages of exclusive buyer agency to people looking for a lot or a builder. Our agents also can give you good advice when you're trying to decide between new construction or buying an existing home.

16. What if I want to buy a home that is for sale by owner (FSBO)?

The Home Buyers, Inc. offers all the advantages of exclusive buyer agency, even when you're working directly with a home's owner. In fact, since we encourage and receive information from private sellers, we can direct you to homes that are for sale by owner (FSBO).

17. How do I become a client?

Just contact The Home Buyers, Inc. for a free, no-obligation briefing. We'll outline how our unique approach gives you all the advantages of exclusive buyer agency, and how we back our service with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and an easy-out, no-obligation contract.

18. I have to sell my home before I can buy a new one; when should I contact you?

Make The Home Buyers, Inc. your first call. We don't list homes for sale, of course, but we can help home-sellers by revealing some little-known options that can save money and make home-selling easier.

We can integrate our home buying services into your plan, helping you decide on the best overall plan for your move. Rely on us to provide information about schools and commuting patterns, as well as market studies to find the type of home for which you are looking.

19. Does my choice of a loan officer matter?

Yes. The right loan officer can save you thousands of dollars and result in a much less stressful moving experience. Finding the right lender can even keep you from losing the home you want by preventing a breach of your purchase agreement.

And, with guidance from The Home Buyers, Inc, finding the right lender does not need to be difficult.

20. Can you help me find a good mortgage or loan officer?

Yes. The Home Buyers, Inc. has several procedures that put us in the position to recommend the right lender.

We ask all clients to evaluate their loan officer, for example, and can share with you the names of loan officers who score high. We also can help you decide on a lender by helping you compare loan pre-approval requirements and fees, interest rates, overall record of quality records, discount points, and closing costs such as origination fees and title charges.